Beyond GDP: The Social Progress Podcast

Social Progress Imperative
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Insight and inspiration on making the right choices for people and planet. We feature bold conversations with global leaders and innovators from government, businesses, community advocacy, foundations, and more who are charting a path for inclusive growth and sustainability. Hosted by Michael Green, CEO at Social Progress Imperative, we explore how the world must move beyond GDP metrics and economic growth to truly improve the social and environmental wellbeing of communities. ©Beyond GDP: The Social Progress Podcast is an essential listening for decision-makers ready to do things differently.

  1. Happy Birthday USA! Has America Delivered On Its Promise?

    3d ago

    Happy Birthday USA! Has America Delivered On Its Promise?

    America's 250-year legacy isn't just about survival, it's about how well it delivers on the promises of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Shockingly, the U.S. earns a failing grade in these core areas, despite its economic greatness. But what does this mean for America's future, and can it turn things around? Using the Social Progress Index, Michael Green shares new insights on how America has progressed since 1990 to today. He compares America to similarly income-level countries, including some European ones, to highlight areas where the country is struggling and should be doing better. Michael analyzes all the details, from education to safety and health, to see why the United States' quality of life has been declining since 2011. Happy Birthday to the USA! We hope that you continue working to deliver your promise: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness for everyone. Explore the U.S. Social Progress Map covering all 50 states, the largest 500 cities and its 32,000 census tracts. https://www.socialprogress.org/us Do you prefer to have a broad view of the United States? Navigate the results of the Global Social Progress Index. https://www.socialprogress.org/social-progress-index Please follow and rate our show!  Explore our work at https://www.socialprogress.org/ Interested in the Social Progress Index? Learn more.  Help us advance social progress across the world! Your donation makes a huge difference to us. Donate now!  Want the full story? Subscribe to our newsletter!

    23 min

  2. Jun 18

    Part 2: How to Heal Divisions in Our Society

    Why is the history of modern Britain failing our children, and how is that space being exploited by extre()mists? In Part 2 of this episode of Beyond GDP: The Social Progress Podcast, host Michael green welcomes back Anwar Akhtar, Director of Samosa Media, for a powerful conversation on education, "cultural capital," and the fight against radical narratives on both the left and the right. Anwar breaks down two massive, yet widely ignored, historical milestones that he believes should be taught in every primary and secondary school. Anwar also tackles the pragmatics of the modern "culture fights," explaining why Samosa Media intentionally campaigns to "diversify" rather than "decolonize" the curriculum to build common dialogue instead of institutional gridlock. Finally, they look at the evolution of British policing and why history remains our strongest immunization against extrem()ism. Don't miss out on Part One!  Please follow and rate our show!  Explore our work at https://www.socialprogress.org/ Interested in the Social Progress Index? Learn more.  Help us advance social progress across the world! Your donation makes a huge difference to us. Donate now!  Want the full story? Subscribe to our newsletter!

    24 min

  3. Jun 18

    Part 1: How to Heal Divisions in Our Society

    Can culture and history save us from growing societal divisions? Michael Green invites Anwar Akhtar in this week's episode. This episode is divided into 2 parts.  Anwar shares his front-line experiences working with Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) communities in Britain. From analyzing the impact of global events and the rise of Islam(o)-phobia to exploring the historical ties of trade, empire, and migration that shaped cities like Manchester, this conversation challenges how we view integration today. We also explore the power of diverse representation in the arts and education. Anwar discusses producing the groundbreaking play Dara for the National Theatre, the first Muslim, Sikh, and Hindu history play on its main stage, and explains why diversifying the school curriculum is vital to preventing the alienation of working-class youth. Don't miss out on Part 2!  Please follow and rate our show!  Explore our work at https://www.socialprogress.org/ Interested in the Social Progress Index? Learn more.  Help us advance social progress across the world! Your donation makes a huge difference to us. Donate now!  Want the full story? Subscribe to our newsletter!

    21 min

  4. Jun 9

    World Cup: The Social Progress Guide

    Buckle up! This is your social progress guide to the 2026 World Cup!  In this episode, we take you on a journey starting with a quick-fire quiz on our 2026 host nations: Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Michael Green also tackles the big questions: Can winning the World Cup give you a social progress boost? Can social progress help you win the World Cup?  Does an uptick in social progress boost the country's chances of winning the World Cup? Is there a true "social progress dividend" for hosting the tournament? We analyze historical data on host nations from 2002 through 2026. Plus, our biggest reveal yet! We are officially launching the World Cup Social Progress Tournament, a new interactive tool that lets you assess the quality of life and societal well-being in every competing country. Play along now at: socialprogress.org/worldcup We also use our new interactive tool to analyze one marquee match from every single group! Tune in to find out who the data picks to win: Group A: Mexico vs. South AfricaGroup B: Canada vs. QatarGroup C: Brazil vs. MoroccoGroup D: United States vs. AustraliaGroup E: Côte d'Ivoire vs. EcuadorGroup F: Netherlands vs. JapanGroup G: Egypt vs. IranGroup H: Saudi Arabia vs. SpainGroup I: Norway vs. FranceGroup J: Argentina vs. AustriaGroup K: Colombia vs. UzbekistanGroup L: England vs. Croatia Please follow and rate our show!  Explore our work at https://www.socialprogress.org/ Interested in the Social Progress Index? Learn more.  Help us advance social progress across the world! Your donation makes a huge difference to us. Donate now!  Want the full story? Subscribe to our newsletter!

    20 min

  5. Jun 2

    The Role of Business in Building Sustainable Communities

    Some companies overlook the power of community engagement. Here’s how Kinross Gold Corporation transforms its global operations into responsible actions that benefit its people and business.  In this episode of Beyond GDP: The Social Progress Podcast, our special guest, Dominic Channer (Vice President for Community Relations), shares how the company effectively manages relationships with indigenous and local communities across six vastly different regions, from Morocco’s Sahara Desert to Alaska’s remote wilderness.  Discover how Kinross builds trust through early engagement, formal agreements, and tailored strategies that protect traditional livelihoods like indigenous hunting and water use, all while navigating cultural and geographical complexities. Host Michael Green, CEO of the Social Progress Imperative, also discusses with Dominic the importance of building local partnerships with governments and communities to advance social progress before, during, and after the project ends, ensuring full sustainability. They also talk about responsible mining and how to build long-term positive impact.  Please follow and rate our show!  Explore our work at https://www.socialprogress.org/ Interested in the Social Progress Index? Learn more.  Help us advance social progress across the world! Your donation makes a huge difference to us. Donate now!  Want the full story? Subscribe to our newsletter!

    27 min

  6. May 28

    Which Country is Top of The Class?

    Is your country’s education system actually setting the next generation up for success? We use the Global Social Progress Index to conduct a rigorous analysis of the education component across the world. There might be some expected champions, but we also share the shocking outliers. In this episode, Michael Green covers the global education trend, gives a shout-out to countries doing a great job, and discusses the ultimate cost of exclusion for one particular country.  Who do you think is the leader in education?  Please follow and rate our show!  Explore our work at https://www.socialprogress.org/ Interested in the Social Progress Index? Learn more.  Help us advance social progress across the world! Your donation makes a huge difference to us. Donate now!  Want the full story? Subscribe to our newsletter!

    3 min

  7. May 13

    Two Cheers For Nigeria

    There's controversy around Nigeria, but today, we want to give a shoutout to the social issues it is solving. Michael Green helps us analyze how the country is performing in water and sanitation, education, environmental quality, safety and Nutrition and Medical Care. He also highlights the biggest threats to Nigeria's future.  Which country would you like us to analyze next using the Global Social Progress Index?  Please follow and rate our show!  Explore our work at https://www.socialprogress.org/ Interested in the Social Progress Index? Learn more.  Help us advance social progress across the world! Your donation makes a huge difference to us. Donate now!  Want the full story? Subscribe to our newsletter!

    3 min

  8. Apr 29

    The English Speaking Disease?

    For the last 15 years, while much of the world has pushed forward, the US, Canada, and the UK have seen their social progress stall,or worse, go backwards. Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland are also facing some challenges.  We use the 2026 Social Progress Index to diagnose why the English-speaking countries are losing their edge.  Listen now to learn why every English-speaking country ranks lower than 100th in housing affordability, how Canada and Australia are seeing a decline in personal security and see how the UK’s self-inflicted wounds are affecting their quality of life.  These countries must look for inspiration to solve some of their most pressing issues…somewhere else.  Please follow and rate our show!  Explore our work at https://www.socialprogress.org/ Interested in the Social Progress Index? Learn more.  Help us advance social progress across the world! Your donation makes a huge difference to us. Donate now!  Want the full story? Subscribe to our newsletter!

    3 min
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Insight and inspiration on making the right choices for people and planet. We feature bold conversations with global leaders and innovators from government, businesses, community advocacy, foundations, and more who are charting a path for inclusive growth and sustainability. Hosted by Michael Green, CEO at Social Progress Imperative, we explore how the world must move beyond GDP metrics and economic growth to truly improve the social and environmental wellbeing of communities. ©Beyond GDP: The Social Progress Podcast is an essential listening for decision-makers ready to do things differently.

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